Patients have reported a number of different Invega Sustenna side effects, including gynecomastia male breast growth, movement disorders, diabetes, and heart problems.

Invega Sustenna Basics

Invega Sustenna is a paliperidone injection treatment, used to treat a variety of mental or mood disorders. Invega Sustenna is manufactured by Johnson and Johnson and has so far brought in billions of dollars for the pharmaceutical giant, even though it is relatively new. Indeed, Invega Sustenna was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just in 2009.

Invega Sustenna is injected deep into a patient’s muscle tissue and is designed to remain effective for much longer than the traditional oral version. Invega Sustenna is injected every 28 days, in contrast with the oral paliperidone treatment that is taken every day.

Unfortunately, the popular antipsychotic treatment has been linked with a number of serious Invega Sustenna side effects, including gynecomastia.

Invega Sustenna Gynecomastia

One of the most significant Invega Sustenna side effects is gynecomastia, a condition that causes the breast tissue of males to grow abnormally, essentially forming female-like breasts. This is caused by elevated prolactin levels from Invega Sustenna treatment.

Gynecomastia breast growth is often caused by a hormonal imbalance, as in the case of conditions caused by Invega Sustenna. In order to treat the mental and mood disorders it’s prescribed for, Invega Sustenna adjusts the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the body. Altering the effect of these chemicals can cause changes in the activity of certain hormones, including prolactin. Elevated prolactin levels lead to hyperprolactinemia, which can cause gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia is a condition that causes the enlargement of breast tissue, and is not connected with excess fat. In some cases, the excess tissue barely develops and symptoms are hardly noticeable. For others, however, breast tissue growth can be extreme. In the most major cases, a young man suffering from gynecomastia may even develop “D” cup breasts.

For some, all it takes to treat these gynecomastia symptoms is simply stopping use of Invega Sustenna. However, in more extreme cases where gynecomastia breasts have grown substantially, surgery may be required to remove the excess tissue.

Other Invega Sustenna Side Effects

Other Invega Sustenna side effects include movement disorders like tardive dyskinesia, dystonia, and Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS). Sometimes, these disorders can be treated, but some patients are left with permanent conditions. Diabetes and heart problems are other Invega Sustenna side effects.

• Priapism (prolonged penile erection)
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Sedation
• Akathisia (restlessness)
• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Tremor

Filing an Invega Sustenna Side Effects Lawsuit

If you or someone you love has suffered from Invega Sustenna side effects like gynecomastia breast growth, you may be able to file an Invega Sustenna lawsuit against the drug’s manufacturers, Johnson & Johnson. While filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by Invega Sustenna side effects, it can help to alleviate the financial burden from medical expenses and lost wages.